Role Description Financial Accounting Manager Cluster Agency Division/Branch/Unit Location Department of Planning & Environment Office of Environment and Heritage Taronga Conservation Society Australia Taronga Zoo Classification/Grade/Band Grade 10 Kind of Employment Ongoing ANZSCO Code 132211 PCAT Code TBC Date of Approval May 2016 Agency Website Agency overview www.taronga.org.au The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) cares for and protects NSW s environment and heritage, which includes the natural environment, Aboriginal country, culture and heritage, and built heritage. Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) forms part of the OEH. Taronga s vision is to create a shared future for wildlife and people. Through our efforts we protect endangered species, increase understanding of wildlife and inspire community action. Primary purpose of the role The primary objective of the role is for the accurate and timely production of various internal and external financial reporting required by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga). Key accountabilities Develop and deliver the annual statutory Financial Statements for inclusion in the annual report ensuring all Treasury directives and Australian Accounting Standards are adhered to. Contribute to the development and implementation of accounting and financial management policies and procedures that comply with relevant Treasury Instructions, government policies and procedures, and legislative requirements. Provide expert professional advice to key stakeholders on accounting and financial management policies, processes and procedures requiring the application of technical knowledge. Produce and deliver financial reports and returns to key stakeholders including Treasury, OEH, ATO, Taronga Managers and Executive. Manage the internal and external Audit process in consultation with the Manager, Finance. Ensure the provision of timely and professional accounting services including preparing financial statements and associated working papers, maintaining the general ledger and chart of accounts and producing financial reports. Lead and manage the Accounting team to maintain high quality service and maximise ability to meet deadlines and timeframes. Key challenges Managing complex internal and external stakeholder relations, expectations and competing priorities Delivering accurate financial reporting within specified timeframes Keeping aware of the latest developments in the Australian and International accounting standards and their implications for Taronga. 1
Key relationships Who Internal Direct Reports/Team Management and other Taronga colleagues External Why To provide leadership, management, information and performance feedback; to receive support and information; and to ensure ongoing communication, professional working relationships, and a positive and productive team culture To work professionally and collaboratively together; to provide/receive support, information and services; and to ensure ongoing communication and professional working relationships Stakeholders (which may for example To receive/provide information, direction, excellent customer service and/or include zoo visitors, consultants, work collaboratively together; and to represent Taronga in a professional and contractors, suppliers, sponsors, media, ethical manner. auditors, government agencies and/or authorities) Role dimensions Decision making The position is empowered to deal with daily operational issues as they arise. More complex issues/decisions are made in consultation with Manager, Finance. The position works with managers to implement agreed strategies. The position also manages specific projects/programs. This role is expected to follow management instructions and uphold Taronga s Code of Conduct, Policies, Procedures, Charters (WHS, Customer Service and Animal Welfare) and Environmental Sustainability endeavours. Take reasonable care of own safety and ensure own conduct does not adversely affect the health and safety of others. Project a positive company image, work constructively as a Taronga team member, and report Taronga Compliance breaches. Reporting line This position reports to the Manager, Finance. Direct reports The following role/s report directly to the position: Accountant Senior Finance Officer Credit Controller Budget/Expenditure The role must operate with the financial delegations in accordance with Taronga and NSW Government finance policy and procedures. Essential requirements Tertiary qualifications Maintain professional accountancy membership status and continuing professional development Extensive experience in a Financial Accountant position Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 2
Capabilities for the role The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework applies to all NSW public sector employees. The Capability Framework is available at www.psc.nsw.gov.au/capabilityframework Capability summary Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this role. The capabilities in bold are the focus capabilities for this role. Refer to the next section for further information about the focus capabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Capability Group Capability Name Level Display Resilience and Courage Act with Integrity Manage Self Value Diversity Communicate Effectively Commit to Customer Service Work Collaboratively Influence and Negotiate Deliver Results Plan and Prioritise Think and Solve Problems Demonstrate Accountability Finance Technology Procurement and Contract Management Project Management Manage and Develop People Inspire Direction and Purpose Optimise Business Outcomes Manage Reform and Change Focus capabilities The focus capabilities for the role are the capabilities in which occupants must demonstrate immediate competence. The behavioural indicators provide examples of the types of behaviours that would be expected at that level and should be reviewed in conjunction with the role s key accountabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Personal Attributes Be flexible and adaptable and respond quickly when situations Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 3
Display Resilience and Courage Personal Attributes Act with Integrity Personal Attributes Manage Self Personal Attributes Value Diversity Relationships Communicate Effectively Relationships Commit to Customer Service change Offer own opinion and raise challenging issues Listen when ideas are challenged and respond in a reasonable way Work through challenges Stay calm and focused in the face of challenging situations Model the highest standards of ethical behaviour and reinforce them in others Represent the organisation in an honest, ethical and professional way and set an example for others to follow Ensure that others have a working understanding of the legislation and policy framework within which they operate Promote a culture of integrity and professionalism within the organisation and in dealings external to government Monitor ethical practices, standards and systems and reinforce their use Act on reported breaches of rules, policies and guidelines Look for and take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills and develop strengths Show commitment to achieving challenging goals Examine and reflect on own performance Seek and respond positively to constructive feedback and guidance Demonstrate a high level of personal motivation Be responsive to diverse experiences, perspectives, values and beliefs and listen to others' individual viewpoints Seek input from others who may have different perspectives and needs Adapt well in diverse environments Tailor communication to the audience Clearly explain complex concepts and arguments to individuals and groups Monitor own and others' non-verbal cues and adapt where necessary Create opportunities for others to be heard Actively listen to others and clarify own understanding Write fluently in a range of styles and formats Take responsibility for delivering high quality customer-focused services Understand customer perspectives and ensure responsiveness to their needs Identify customer service needs and implement solutions Find opportunities to co-operate with internal and external parties to improve outcomes for customers Maintain relationships with key customers in area of expertise Connect and collaborate with relevant stakeholders within the community Relationships Build a supportive and co-operative team environment Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 4
Work Collaboratively Relationships Influence and Negotiate Results Deliver Results Results Plan and Prioritise Results Think and Solve Problems Results Demonstrate Share information and learning across teams Acknowledge outcomes which were achieved by effective collaboration Engage other teams/units to share information and solve issues and problems jointly Support others in challenging situations Utilise facts, knowledge and experience to support recommendations Work towards positive and mutually satisfactory outcomes Identify and resolve issues in discussion with other staff and stakeholders Identify others' concerns and expectations Respond constructively to conflict and disagreements Keep discussion focused on the key issues Take responsibility for delivering on intended outcomes Make sure team/unit staff understand expected goals and acknowledge success Identify resource needs and ensure goals are achieved within budget and deadlines Identify changed priorities and ensure allocation of resources meets new business needs Ensure financial implications of changed priorities are explicit and budgeted for Use own expertise and seek others' expertise to achieve work outcomes Understand the team/unit objectives and align operational activities accordingly Initiate, and develop team goals and plans and use feedback to inform future planning Respond proactively to changing circumstances and adjust plans and schedules when necessary Consider the implications of immediate and longer term organisational issues and how these might impact on the achievement of team/unit goals Accommodate and respond with initiative to changing priorities and operating environments Research and analyse information and make recommendations based on relevant evidence Identify issues that may hinder completion of tasks and find appropriate solutions Be willing to seek out input from others and share own ideas to achieve best outcomes Identify ways to improve systems or processes which are used by the team/unit Take responsibility and be accountable for own actions Understand delegations and act within authority levels Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 5
Accountability Business Enablers Finance Business Enablers Technology Business Enablers Procurement and Contract Management Business Enablers Project Management Identify and follow safe work practices, and be vigilant about their application by self and others Be alert to risks that might impact the completion of an activity and escalate these when identified Use financial and other resources responsibly Apply a thorough understanding of recurrent and capital financial terminology, policies and processes to planning, forecasting and budget preparation and management Identify and analyse trends, review data and evaluate business options to ensure business cases are financially sound Assess relative cost benefits of direct provision or purchase of services Understand and promote the role of sound financial management and its impact on organisational effectiveness Involve specialist financial advice in review and evaluation of systems and processes used to identify opportunities for improvement Respond to financial and risk management audit outcomes, addressing areas of non-compliance Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology relevant to the work unit, and identify and select the most appropriate technology for assigned tasks Identify opportunities to use a broad range of communications technologies to deliver effective messages Understand, act on and monitor compliance with information and communications security and use policies Identify ways to leverage the value of technology to achieve team/unit outcomes, using the existing technology of the business Support compliance with the records, information and knowledge management requirements of the organisation Understand and comply with legal, policy and organisational guidelines and procedures in relation to procurement and contract management Conduct delegated purchasing activities, complying with prescribed guidelines and procedures Work with providers, suppliers and contractors to ensure that outcomes are delivered in line with time and quality requirements Perform basic research and analysis which others will use to inform project directions Understand project goals, steps to be undertaken and expected outcomes Prepare accurate documentation to support cost or resource estimates Participate and contribute to reviews of progress, outcomes and future improvements Identify and escalate any possible variance from project plans Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 6
Manage and Develop People Inspire Direction and Purpose Optimise Business Outcomes Optimise Business Outcomes Optimise Business Outcomes Optimise Business Outcomes Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated Collaborate on the establishment of clear performance standards and deadlines in line with established performance development frameworks Develop team capability and recognise and develop potential in people Be constructive and build on strengths when giving feedback Identify and act on opportunities to provide coaching and mentoring Recognise performance issues that need to be addressed and work towards resolution of issues Assist team to understand organisational direction Ensure team members understand the organisation's, policies and services Ensure team members understand how their activities align to business objectives and affect overall performance Recognise and acknowledge team members' high quality work Keep team members informed of the reasons for decisions so that this may inform their work Ensure that team members make effective use of resources to maximise business outcomes Ensure that team members understand and inform customers about processes, practices and decisions Ensure team members understand business principles to achieve work tasks effectively Ensure team goals and standards are met Develop team/unit plans that take into account team capability and strengths Plan and monitor resource allocation effectively to achieve team/unit objectives Ensure team members work with a good understanding of business principles as they apply to the public sector context Participate in wider organisational workforce planning to ensure the availability of capable resources Initiate and develop longer-term goals and plans to guide the work of the team in line with organisational objectives Allocate resources to ensure achievement of business outcomes and contribute to wider workforce planning Ensure that team members base their decisions on a sound understanding of business principles applied in a public sector context Monitor performance against standards and take timely corrective actions Keep others informed about progress and performance outcomes Develop workforce plans that effectively distribute organisational resources to achieve business goals Plan for strategic use of human resources that links to wider Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 7
Manage Reform and Change organisational aims and goals Encourage others to strive for ongoing performance improvement Align systems and processes to encourage improved performance and outcomes Support change initiatives and assist staff to understand their purpose and impact Share information with team members to assist them to understand and manage uncertainty and change Recognise barriers to change and support the team to accept and facilitate change Role Description Financial Accounting Manager 8